A major step forward for indoor sport and community infrastructure in Central Queensland has been confirmed, with the Gladstone Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) commencing construction on the Gladstone Regional Indoor Sports Centre (GRISC) today.
Paynters has been appointed as head contractor and Tango will continue to oversee the overall project management.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm joined GABA President Duane Jacobsen and Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett to turn the sod on the project today.
The new facility, to be located at Memorial Park in Gladstone Central, will deliver a purpose-built, two-court indoor venue designed to support basketball and a range of indoor sports across the region.
Backed by Albanese Government funding of $10 million, the project addresses long-standing capacity challenges and positions Gladstone for future growth in sports participation and event opportunities.
The Gladstone Regional Indoor Sports Centre will include two FIBA-compliant basketball courts, changerooms and amenities, as well as supporting spaces such as offices, meeting rooms and a kiosk.
The venue is designed as a multi-use facility to benefit a wide range of sports and community groups with completion due in early 2027.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
"We know how much this project means to the Gladstone community - it gives me great pleasure to turn the sod and mark the next step in construction of this special facility.
"This is a significant milestone for Gladstone and its sporting community - I acknowledge Basketball Queensland, the Gladstone Amateur Basketball Association and Gladstone Regional Council for advocating for this project.
"When we back regional sporting infrastructure, we're backing the next generation of sporting heroes - the next Jessica Bibby could come out of this facility in the years to come.
"The Albanese Government is proud to help deliver this critical piece of sporting and community infrastructure for Central Queensland."
Quotes attributable to GABA President Duane Jacobsen:
"Today is a very proud moment for our club and the wider Gladstone community. Turning the sod marks the start of construction and brings us one step closer to delivering a facility that has been needed for many years.
"We sincerely thank the Australian Government for its significant investment in this project, and Senator Chisholm for being here to mark this important milestone with us. We also acknowledge the support of Basketball Queensland, Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett, Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher, Tango Projects, and the many GABA committee members, volunteers and community supporters who have helped bring this project to life.
"This centre will be more than a basketball stadium. It will be a place where local families, young people, sporting groups and community organisations can come together, participate and grow. GABA is incredibly excited to see construction begin and to help deliver a lasting asset for the Gladstone region."
Quotes attributable to Basketball Queensland General Manager Hugh Raleigh:
"It's exciting for the Gladstone community to have this investment in such significant sporting infrastructure, I'd like to congratulate Duane and his committee for their dedication and vision in bringing this project to life.
"I'd also like to thank Senator Chisholm and the Australian Government for their investment in indoor sport in Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett:
"It's fantastic that we've now reached this stage of getting shovels in the ground for the new Gladstone Regional Indoor Sports Facility. This is a major milestone for our region and something the community has been calling out for over many years.
"This project is about investing in the future of sport here in Gladstone and creating a venue for our young athletes to train, develop their skills and pursue opportunities at the highest level without having to leave our region.
"This project also gives us opportunities to host representative carnivals and regional competitions right here at home, bringing more teams, more families and more visitors to our region.
"Thank you to the Australian Government for making this possible - I would also like to thank Kellie, Tom, Duane, Mirrin and everyone at Gladstone Amateur Basketball Association who helped bring the project to life and pay special tribute to former Councillor Rick Hansen whose lifelong advocacy for basketball ultimately secured this funding commitment."
